Filtering system, painting system, and method for operating a filtering system

ABSTRACT

In order to provide a filter system for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants that is of simple construction and is operable efficiently, it is proposed that the filter system should include the following: a base construction through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable and which includes at least one filter module receptacle for receiving at least one filter module, and at least one filter module which is selectively arrangeable on and/or in the at least one filter module receptacle and/or removable therefrom, wherein the at least one filter module includes a plurality of filter element receptacles for receiving a plurality of mutually independent filter elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 ofInternational Patent Application PCT/EP2014/072797, filed on Oct. 23,2014, and claims priority to German Patent Applications DE 10 2013 222301.3, filed on Nov. 4, 2013, and DE 20 2014 103 177.4, filed on Jul.10, 2014. The disclosures of each of the applications noted above areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a filter system for separating offcontaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants.

BACKGROUND

A filter system of this kind is known for example from WO 2010/069407A1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a filter system forseparating off contaminants that is of simple construction and isoperable efficiently.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a filter systemfor separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas thatcontains contaminants, wherein the filter system includes the following:

-   -   a base construction through which the stream of untreated gas is        guidable and which includes at least one filter module        receptacle for receiving at least one filter module, and at        least one filter module which is selectively introducible into        at least one filter module receptacle or removable therefrom,    -   wherein the at least one filter module includes a plurality of        filter element receptacles for receiving a plurality of mutually        independent filter elements.

Because the filter system according to the invention includes a baseconstruction that includes a filter module receptacle for receiving atleast one filter module, the filter system can be of simple constructionand be usable efficiently. In particular, as a result of this a simpleand efficient exchange of filter elements of the filter system may beenabled, as a result of which down times of the filter system that arenecessitated by maintenance can be minimised.

In this description, the term “mutually independent filter elements” isto be understood to mean individually and/or mutually independentlyexchangeable filter elements.

Preferably, there is associated with each filter element a filterelement receptacle, with the result that individual filter elements maypreferably remain in an installed condition ready for operation whileone or more further filter elements are removed from the associatedfilter element receptacles and replaced by fresh filter elements.

Preferably, a plurality of filter elements are a constituent part of afilter device of the filter module.

In particular, it may be provided for a plurality of filter elements tobe a constituent part of a filter device of the filter module and forthe stream of untreated gas that is to be cleaned to be flowable throughthese in mutually parallel manner during a filter operation of thefilter system.

It may be favourable if the at least one filter module includes aplurality of filter devices and for the stream of untreated gas that isto be cleaned to be flowable through these one after the other during afilter operation of the filter system.

The filter devices then preferably form a plurality of filter stagesthat are connected one after the other in a direction of through flow.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided for the at least onefilter module to include a pre-filter device, a main filter deviceand/or a post-filter device, and preferably for at least a partialstream of the stream of untreated gas to be flowable through these oneafter the other during a filter operation of the filter system.

It may be advantageous if the at least one filter module takes the formof a rollable and/or displaceable transport carriage.

A transport carriage of this kind may include for example a rollerdevice, in particular a plurality of transport rollers, by means ofwhich the transport carriage is simply and smoothly displaceable on afloor.

It may be provided for the at least one filter module and/or the atleast one filter module receptacle to include a guide device forguiding, moving and/or immobilising the at least one filter module inrelation to the at least one filter module receptacle.

The guide device serves in particular for the controlled feeding and/orimmobilising of the at least one filter module in a filter position ofthe filter module, that is to say in a position of the module in whichthe filter module is arranged during a filter operation of the filtersystem in order to separate off contaminants from the stream ofuntreated gas.

The guide device may for example include a rail guide and/or a rollerguide.

For example, a telescopic rail guide of the guide device may beprovided.

It may be favourable if the at least one filter module is guidableand/or movable, by means of the guide device, from a filter position ofthe filter module into a change-over position of the filter module,and/or from the change-over position of the filter module into thefilter position of the filter module.

In the change-over position of the filter module, in particular anexchange of filter elements of the filter module is possible, forexample in order to replace contaminated filter elements with freshfilter elements.

Further, it may be provided, in the change-over position of the filtermodule, for the entire filter module to be exchangeable for a furtherfilter module.

In particular, it may be provided, in the change-over position, for thefilter module to be removable from the guide device and exchangeable foranother filter module.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided for the baseconstruction to include at least one closable access opening throughwhich an interior space of the at least one filter module receptacle isaccessible for introducing and/or removing the at least one filtermodule from outside the filter system.

In particular, it may be provided for the at least one filter module tobe introducible into the at least one filter module receptacle and/or tobe removable from the at least one filter module receptacle through theat least one closable access opening.

It may be favourable if each filter module receptacle serves to receivea single filter module.

Further, it may be favourable if an access opening, in particular aseparate access opening, is associated with each filter modulereceptacle.

An access opening may for example be a lockable door, in particular inan outer wall of the base construction of the filter system.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided for the at leastone filter module receptacle to include at least one valve device forselectively opening or closing an inlet opening of the filter modulereceptacle and/or an outlet opening of the filter module receptacle.

Preferably, at least part of the stream of untreated gas is feedable tothe filter module receptacle through the inlet opening of the filtermodule receptacle.

Preferably, a stream of gas, in particular a stream of gas that has beencleaned by means of the filter elements, is guidable away from thefilter module receptacle through the outlet opening of the filter modulereceptacle.

The at least one valve device may for example take the form of a flap orlouvre in a wall, in particular a top wall and/or side wall, of a filtermodule receptacle.

It may be provided for the filter system to include a plurality offilter module receptacles and/or filter modules arranged opposite oneanother in relation to a vertical longitudinal centre plane of thefilter system.

In particular, the filter module receptacles and/or filter modules arepreferably arranged and/or constructed to be mirror-symmetrical inrelation to the vertical longitudinal centre plane.

Further, it may be provided for the filter system to include a pluralityof filter module receptacles and/or filter modules arranged successivelyin a longitudinal direction of the filter system, in particular in aconveying direction of a conveying device of a painting system.

The filter module receptacles and/or filter modules that are arrangedsuccessively in the longitudinal direction of the filter systempreferably form a row of filter module receptacles or filter modulesthat runs parallel to a conveying direction (described below).

The filter module receptacles preferably have closed lateral separatingwalls that are oriented in particular substantially vertically andsubstantially perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal centre plane ofthe filter system, and which fluidically separate from one anotherinterior spaces of filter module receptacles that are arrangedsuccessively in the longitudinal direction of the filter system.

Preferably, the filter system includes two rows of filter modulereceptacles, arranged parallel to one another and parallel to thelongitudinal direction, and/or two rows of filter modules, arrangedparallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal direction.

It may be provided for the filter system to include a plurality offilter module receptacles that form flow channels of the filter systemwhich are configured for mutually independent through flow.

The filter system, in particular the filter module receptacles,preferably has valve devices by means of which individual or a pluralityof flow channels are blockable or clearable.

Preferably, it is provided for flow through the interior space ofindividual filter module receptacles to be interruptible by means of thevalve devices, in order to enable the at least one filter element and/orat least one filter module that is received in the filter modulereceptacle to be exchanged without this being adversely affected by thestream of untreated gas.

It may be advantageous if the filter system includes at least oneuntreated gas shaft that extends between at least two filter modulereceptacles and through which the stream of untreated gas is guidable,in particular in the substantially vertical direction (direction ofgravity), and is feedable to inlet openings in the filter modulereceptacles.

It may further be provided for the filter system to include at least oneclean gas channel that extends between at least two filter modulereceptacles and through which a stream of clean gas, which is obtainableas a result of separating off contaminants from the stream of untreatedgas, is guidable away.

In particular, it may be provided for the filter system to include atleast one clean gas collecting channel that extends between at least twofilter module receptacles and by means of which a plurality of streamsof clean gas from a plurality of filter modules are grouped together andjointly guided away.

An efficient filter system may also be made possible by an efficientexchange of filter elements.

For this reason, the present invention also relates to a filter systemfor separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas thatcontains contaminants, this filter system including at least one filterelement receptacle for receiving at least one filter element and atleast one change-over device for automatically exchanging a morepronouncedly contaminated filter element that is arranged in the atleast one filter element receptacle for a filter element that is lesspronouncedly contaminated.

This filter system further preferably has individual or a plurality ofthe features and/or advantages that are described in conjunction withthe other filter systems described.

In particular, the change-over device described may be used for furtherdevelopment of the other filter systems described.

In this description and the attached claims, the term “pronouncedlycontaminated filter element” is to be understood to mean in particular afilter element which has taken up contaminants as a result of the filteroperation of the filter system and thus has a high degree of loading orfilling, as a result of which a low filtering action, a high resistanceto flow, a low mechanical stability of the filter element and/or a highrisk of fire may occur.

A less pronouncedly contaminated filter element is in particular a freshfilter element that is not laden with contaminants or is laden withcontaminants to only a small extent and can thus be used for anefficient filter operation of the filter system.

For the sake of simplicity of reference, a pronouncedly contaminatedfilter element or a more pronouncedly contaminated filter element are ingeneral called a “contaminated filter element” below.

A less pronouncedly contaminated filter element, or a filter elementthat has only low levels of contaminants or none at all, is called a“fresh filter element” below, for the sake of simplicity.

The filter system may include for example one or more change-overdevices. In particular, it may be provided for one or more change-overdevices to be associated with each row of filter module receptaclesand/or filter modules.

It may be advantageous if the change-over device includes a roboticdevice or takes the form of a robotic device.

It may be favourable if, by means of the change-over device, at leastone filter module is movable from a filter position into a change-overposition and/or from the change-over position into the filter position.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided for a change-overdevice to be associated with a plurality of filter element receptacles,a plurality of filter modules, a plurality of filter devices and/or aplurality of filter elements, in order if necessary to enable individualor all of the filter elements of these filter devices and/or filtermodules to be exchanged.

The change-over device, in particular a robotic device, is for thispurpose in particular arranged movably and/or rollably on the filtersystem.

In this arrangement, the change-over device may for example be arrangedon a side with untreated gas and/or on a side with clean gas, that is tosay in relation to a direction of flow through the filter modulesupstream and/or downstream of the filter modules.

It may be provided for filter elements, in particular if they take theform of disposable filter elements, to be exchangeable by means of thechange-over device.

It may be advantageous if the change-over device, in particular therobotic device, is movably suspended on an integrated traversing module(ITM) of the filter system and/or on a painting system (describedbelow).

In particular if the change-over device, for example the robotic device,is arranged on a side of the filter system with untreated gas, it may beprovided for the change-over device to include a cover, for example ashrink sleeve and/or a shielding system, by means of which thechange-over device can be protected from being contaminated by thecontaminants in the stream of untreated gas, in particular paintoverspray.

It may be favourable if the change-over device includes one or morereceiving devices for receiving fresh or exchanged filter elements. Thefilter elements may in that case be transported to or away from thefilter element receptacles particularly simply by means of thechange-over device.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for thechange-over device to include a conveying device or for there to beassociated with the change-over device a conveying device by means ofwhich fresh filter elements may be transported to the change-over deviceand/or contaminated filter elements may be transported away from thechange-over device.

Preferably, the use of a change-over device, in particular a roboticdevice, is suitable both in the case of central feeding of the untreatedgas (along the vertical longitudinal centre plane), in particular bymeans of central feeding of booth air, and also in the case of lateraleccentric feeding of untreated gas.

A filter system according to the invention is in particular suitable foruse in a painting system for painting workpieces, in particular vehiclebodies.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a painting system forpainting workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, which includes atleast one filter system according to the invention.

The painting system according to the invention preferably has individualor a plurality of the features and/or advantages described inconjunction with a filter system.

The present invention further relates to a method for separating offcontaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminantsby means of a filter system.

In this regard, the object of the invention is to provide a method thatis operable simply and efficiently.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the methodfor separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas thatcontains contaminants by means of a filter system includes thefollowing:

-   -   feeding the stream of untreated gas to a plurality of filter        elements that are arranged in filter element receptacles of a        filter module, wherein the filter module is arranged in a filter        module receptacle of the filter system;    -   separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas at        the filter elements;    -   removing the filter module from the filter module receptacle;    -   exchanging one or more of the more pronouncedly contaminated        filter elements arranged in the filter element receptacles for        one or more less pronouncedly contaminated filter elements;    -   introducing the filter module into the filter module receptacle.

The method according to the invention preferably has individual or aplurality of the features and/or advantages described in conjunctionwith the filter system according to the invention and/or the paintingsystem according to the invention.

Further, the object is achieved in that a method for separating offcontaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminantsincludes the following:

-   -   feeding the stream of untreated gas to at least one filter        element;    -   separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas at        the at least one filter element, as a result of which the at        least one filter element is contaminated;    -   exchanging the at least one contaminated filter element for a        fresh filter element by means of an automatic change-over        device.

This method preferably has individual or a plurality of the featuresand/or advantages described in conjunction with the method according tothe invention and/or the filter system according to the invention and/orthe painting system according to the invention.

Further, the filter system according to the invention, the paintingsystem according to the invention and/or the method according to theinvention may have individual or a plurality of the features and/oradvantages described below:

It may be provided for one or more filter elements to take the form ofso-called disposable filter elements.

For example, it may be provided in this arrangement for a hollow body,in particular made from a non-metallic material, to be provided in whichwalls that succeed one another in the direction of an incoming stream ofair (stream of untreated gas) have openings that become smaller in thedirection of through flow. In particular, it may be provided for apre-filter device to be formed by means of at least one filter elementof this kind.

Further, it may be provided for at least one filter element to include aplurality of separating elements that are arranged such that a flowlabyrinth is formed. The separating elements are preferably permeablewhen there is a small load (level of contamination) such that theseparating elements may serve as a separating filter (depth filter). Inthe event of heavier load (level of contamination) of the separatingelements, the filter element serves in particular as an inertial filter.

At least one filter element may for example include a fibre materialand/or a nonwoven material or be formed by a fibre material and/or anonwoven material.

It may be favourable if at least one filter element takes the form of adisposable element, for example a recyclable disposable element. Forexample, it may be provided for at least one filter element to be madefrom recycling material with wet strength and, for re-use, to beprocessible to again give recycling material with wet strength.

The filter system may preferably have at least two, in particular threeor four, filter stages, that is to say filter devices that are arrangedone after the other in relation to a direction of flow.

Preferably, a pre-filter device, a main filter device, a post-filterdevice and/or a safety filter device (additional filter device; policingfilter device) are provided.

The safety filter device is preferably integrated fixed within the baseconstruction, while the pre-filter device, main filter device and/orpost-filter device are preferably arranged in movable filter modules.

The filter modules are preferably covered, in particular by means of topwalls of the filter module receptacles. In this way it is possible toprevent contamination that drips down or falls from a paint spray boothof the painting system, in particular paint and/or solvent, fromcontaminating the filter modules.

It may be favourable if the filter module receptacle and/or the filtermodule include a bypass device for a pre-filter device.

In this way, preferably selectively, in particular in a manneradjustable by means of a valve device (flap device), a stream ofuntreated gas may first be guided through the pre-filter device or pastthe pre-filter device before being fed to the main filter device.

It may be advantageous if the bypass device is arranged in an edgeregion of the filter system, such that only slightly contaminateduntreated gas is feedable through the bypass device of the main filterdevice.

More pronouncedly contaminated untreated gas, in particular in a centralregion, such as the region of the vertical longitudinal centre plane ofthe filter system and/or the painting system, is preferably guidedthrough the pre-filter device and only thereafter fed to the main filterdevice.

It may be provided for the at least one filter module, in particular afilter module that takes the form of a transport carriage, to include acatching element, for example a catching trough by means of whichcontamination falling from the filter elements is catchable. Thispreferably makes it possible to prevent a floor of the filter systemfrom becoming undesirably contaminated.

For the transport of one or more filter modules, a transport device maypreferably be provided.

For example, the transport device may take the form of a lifting truck.

It may be favourable if the transport device, in particular the liftingtruck, includes one or more catching elements, in particular catchingtroughs, for catching contamination falling from the filter elements.

It may be favourable if the filter module is fixable on the transportdevice by means of a securing device, in particular in order to preventthe filter module from tilting during transport thereof.

Further, it may be provided for a change-over—in particular an automaticchange-over—of individual filter elements to be carried out directly inthe filter system. The filter module may then in particular bestationary.

Sealing the filter module with respect to the filter module receptacleand/or the base construction is preferably performed by means of one ormore flange connections, for example by means of one or more angledflanges.

In particular, an angled flange having a substantially P-shaped crosssection, which for the purpose of sealing is pressable against a sealingelement, in particular a foam rubber element, may be provided.

Preferably, for sealing with respect to the filter module receptacle,the filter module is pushed against one or more flanges and isimmobilised in this position.

A contact pressure force that is required for sealing is preferablyapplied by means of a guide device, in particular a telescopic rail-typedevice.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided, for thepurpose of sealing the flange connection, for the filter module to beimmobilised in a desired filter position by means of an immobilisingdevice. An immobilising device of this kind (locking arrangement) mayfor example be made by embossing or impression on a booth wall, inparticular a side wall of the filter module receptacle.

To determine a change-over time of at least one filter element, astatistical evaluation may be used. For example, the detection ofoverspray in a painting device may be used to infer the extent by whichthe filter elements have been laden in different regions of the filtersystem and hence to determine the change-over time.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, the number of paintedworkpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, may be determined for exampleby means of a skid counter in order to infer the extent by whichindividual filter elements or individual filter modules have been laden.

Further, it is possible to infer from the detection of volumetric flow,for example by means of a pressure measurement, a measurement orificeand/or a hot wire, the level of filling (level of load; degree ofcontamination) of the filter elements.

It is also conceivable to evaluate the mass, in particular the weight,of the filter modules in order to infer a change-over time.

A filter module may preferably be moved from the filter position intothe change-over position by way of the side with clean gas and/or theside with untreated gas thereof.

In the filter position of the filter module, the latter is preferablysealed with respect to the filter module receptacle on an input sideand/or on an output side by means of a flange connection.

The filter modules and/or the filter module receptacles are preferablyarranged above, in particular directly over, safety filter devices oradditional filter devices.

However, it may also be provided for the filter modules and/or thefilter module receptacles to be arranged below, in particular directlyunderneath, safety filter devices or additional filter devices.

In particular if the filter modules and filter module receptacles arearranged on a floor on which the entire filter system and/or paintingsystem is constructed, the maximum bearing capacity that is to be takenup by the base construction and hence the base construction may bestructured in a simpler manner and at lower cost. In particular, as aresult of this a walkway that is arranged above this floor, or a furtherfloor formed by means of the base construction, may be designed for alower weight.

It may be provided for flow through the filter modules to be in at leastone direction running perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal centreplane of the filter system.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for flowthrough the filter modules to be in at least one direction runningparallel to the vertical longitudinal centre plane.

The directions of through flow are in this arrangement preferablyoriented substantially horizontally or vertically.

A filter element of a pre-filter device preferably takes the form of aninertial filter having a single or multiple deflection points. Thefilter element may be formed for example from cardboard, syntheticmaterial, ceramic and/or metal or include cardboard, synthetic material,ceramic and/or metal. In particular, the filter element is formed fromrecycling material.

It may be advantageous if a filter element of a pre-filter device has atleast approximately the same dimensions in the horizontal direction asthe main filter device.

In particular, it may be provided for a hollow body, for example aframe, of the main filter device to be used for receiving and/orconstructing the pre-filter device. Preferably in that case all thatneeds to be done is to insert the filter elements of the pre-filterdevice therein.

The main filter device preferably includes one or more filter elementsthat are formed from cardboard, paper, synthetic material, ceramicand/or metal or include cardboard, paper, synthetic material, ceramicand/or metal.

In particular, at least one filter element of the main filter device isformed partly or entirely from disposable material, recycled materialand/or recyclable material.

At least one filter element of the main filter device is preferably aninertial separator, wherein in particular a plurality of segments thatare arranged one after the other in the direction of flow are providedand are exchangeable substantially independently of one another, suchthat in particular segments arranged upstream, which are morepronouncedly dirty, may be changed more frequently than the segmentsarranged downstream.

One or more filter elements of the post-filter device preferably includea fibre material and/or a nonwoven material, for example in the form ofa mat filter.

In particular if an air recirculating operation is provided in thepainting system, an additional filter device and/or safety filter device(policing filter) may be provided.

Filter elements of the safety filter device and/or additional filterdevice are preferably bag filter elements or cartridge filter elements.

It may be favourable if walls are formed between the filter modules asfire protection walls.

In the event of a fire, an inlet opening on the wall side of a filtermodule receptacle and/or filter module may preferably be closed forexample by way of a flap.

Further, in the event of a fire, a flap on the exhaust air side of afilter module receptacle and/or filter module may preferably be closed.

In particular if an untreated gas shaft is provided by means of whichthe stream of untreated gas is guided, centrally in the filter system,along the vertical longitudinal centre plane, it may be provided forfire protection reasons for the untreated gas shaft to be closable bymeans of a slide or flap.

In particular, as a result of this preferably an inlet of the filtermodule receptacles and/or filter modules may be closed.

Preferably, the filter system has a segment-type construction.

It may be provided for individual sections of the untreated gas shaft tobe coverable or closable. In particular in the event of a filter elementchange-over and/or filter module change-over, the region of theuntreated gas shaft adjoining the filter element and/or filter module tobe changed may then preferably be covered or closed in order to preventor at least to reduce undesirable contamination during the change-overprocedure.

It may be provided for contaminated filter elements to be removed at achange-over station and for example to be fed to a collecting vessel byway of a chute or an opening on the work level.

The collecting vessel may for example take the form of a collectingand/or pressing container in order to enable a multiplicity ofcontaminated filter elements to be received.

Preferably, at the change-over station new, empty, partly filled,prepared and/or fresh filter elements are fed, in particular beingintroduced into the filter element receptacles.

The change-over station is for example the region in which at least onefilter module is arranged when the latter is in the change-overposition.

However, it may also be provided for the change-over station to be aposition to which the at least one filter module is transportable bymeans of the transport device.

It may be provided for the filter elements, in particular thecontaminated filter elements, to be packed before they are pressed, inparticular in the pressing container, for example using a sack ofsynthetic material. In this way, the collecting and/or pressingcontainer can be prevented from becoming dirty.

In particular if the filter elements or filter modules have differentdegrees of contamination (levels of load), undesirable flows, inparticular longitudinal flows, may arise in the filter system and/or thepaint spray booth of the painting system. Undesirable flows of this kindmay for example be reduced or prevented as follows:

A valve device (flap) on the exhaust air side of the filter module orthe filter module receptacle preferably compensates for the loss ofpressure in the filter module, which increases as the level ofcontamination increases, by opening further. By means of the valvedevice, which serves in particular as a throttle, it is thus preferablypossible to keep an overall pressure loss constant by altering thedegree of throttle (flap position).

The valve device may be adjusted, in particular being opened and/orclosed, preferably in steps or continuously, in particular in dependenceon a level of load of the filter elements and/or the filter module. Fordetermining the level of load and thus the opening of the valve device,preferably use is made of the measures for determining the change-overtime for the filter elements.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for thestream of gas flowing through the filter module receptacle to beaccelerated by means of a ventilator device, in particular a fan, forexample an axial fan and/or a radial fan, in particular directly at anoutput side of the filter module receptacle. In particular, theventilator device may compensate for the loss in pressure, whichincreases as the level of load increases.

In particular, the ventilator device is adjusted such that thevolumetric flow of the stream of gas guided through the filter modulereceptacle and/or the filter module is always substantially constant.

For controlling and/or regulating the performance of the ventilatordevice, use may preferably be made of the measures for determining thechange-over time for the filter elements.

In particular for automating the filter system, it may be provided forindividual or a plurality of elements or modules, in particular filterelements and/or filter modules, to be movable and/or rollablemechanically.

For example, it may be provided for the filter modules to be movablemechanically by means of a guide device. For this purpose, the guidedevice preferably includes a drive device, for example a pneumaticcylinder or hydraulic cylinder.

For transporting the filter modules, in particular for removing and/orfeeding the filter modules from or to a receiving position (change-overposition) of the guide device, for example an overhead conveyor and/or adriverless transport system, in particular a driverless floor-mountedtransport system, may be provided.

It may be favourable if at least one filter module receptacle isarranged on an outer wall of the filter system, in particular an outerwall of the base construction of the filter system, and/or is integratedin the outer wall of the filter system, in particular in the outer wallof the base construction of the filter system.

In this arrangement, it may be provided for at least one filter moduleto be arrangeable on the at least one filter module receptacle, bybringing the at least one filter module into abutment against the outerwall.

For example, it may be provided for a filter module to be abuttable flatagainst the outer wall.

Preferably, the filter module receptacle, in particular the outer wall,and the filter module each include an inlet opening and an outletopening.

Preferably, by bringing the filter module into abutment against theouter wall, an inlet opening of the filter module and an outlet openingof the filter module are abuttable in fitting manner against acorresponding inlet opening and a corresponding outlet opening in theouter wall.

A seal between the outer wall and the filter module is preferably madeby means of one or two flanges or flange regions.

Preferably, a stream of gas flows through a housing, in particular aclosed housing, of a filter module, preferably without flowing aroundthe filter module itself.

The outer wall of the filter system, in particular the outer wall of thebase construction of the filter system, preferably has one or morerecesses in which one or more filter modules are arrangeable.

Preferably, two recesses which are arranged opposite one another inrelation to the vertical longitudinal centre plane of the filter systemand are constructed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical to oneanother are provided in the outer walls of the filter system that arearranged opposite one another in relation to the vertical longitudinalcentre plane.

The recesses preferably extend in a conveying direction of a conveyingdevice of the painting system.

Preferably, a plurality of filter modules are receivable in one recess.

Doors and/or intermediate walls between individual filter modules arepreferably dispensable.

It may be provided for a filter module to include a housing whichincludes an access opening, for example a door.

The access opening, in particular the door, is for example arranged in arear side of the housing of the filter module.

The rear side is in particular a side of the housing of the filtermodule that, during filter operation of the filter system, is accessiblefrom an area surrounding the filter system.

In particular, the rear side is a side that is remote from a front sideof the filter module, wherein the front side is preferably the side ofthe housing of the filter module in which an inlet opening and/or anoutlet opening of the filter module are arranged.

The front side is in particular the side of the filter module by meansof which the filter module is arrangeable on the filter modulereceptacle.

In particular for changing individual or a plurality of filter elementsof filter devices of a filter module, it may be provided for thesefilter elements to be accessible through an access opening, inparticular a door, in the housing of the filter module.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for thehousing parts of the housing of the filter module to be removable.

Further, as an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be providedfor filter elements, for example a post-filter element of a post-filterdevice, to take the form of insertable elements for insertion, inparticular laterally, into the filter module.

It may be advantageous if the main filter device and/or the post-filterdevice are constructed such that a post-filter device, in particular oneor more filter elements of the post-filter device, are accessible and/orexchangeable through the main filter device if the main filter device isat least partly demounted.

Despite a smaller number of walls, in particular intermediate wallsbetween individual filter modules, the rate at which fire is propagatedmay preferably be kept low.

Moving components, in particular a guide device of the filter system,are preferably arranged outside a region through which a stream of gasflows during operation of the filter system. As a result of this, thefilter system may be of robust construction and may be operatedreliably.

Preferably, as a result of the abutment of filter modules against outerwalls of the filter system, more filter modules are usable than if, overthe same length of the filter system, a separate filter modulereceptacle for each filter module were provided for receiving the filtermodule in a separate interior space. As a result, the filter modules maypreferably be placed closer to one another. As a result, preferably afilter surface area may be made larger and/or a filter service life maybe made longer.

Moreover, preferably the space requirement for changing filter modulesand/or filter elements may be made smaller.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided for one or moreinlet openings of a filter module receptacle and/or one or more inletopenings of a filter module to be arranged below in relation to thedirection of gravity, in particular directly underneath, one or moreoutlet openings of the filter module receptacle and/or one or moreoutlet openings of the filter module.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for one ormore inlet openings of a filter module receptacle and/or one or moreinlet openings of a filter module to be arranged above in relation tothe direction of gravity, in particular directly over, one or moreoutlet openings of the filter module receptacle and/or one or moreoutlet openings of the filter module.

It may be provided for one or more inlet openings on the one hand andone or more outlet openings on the other to be arranged in the samewall, for example a front side of a filter module, or in mutuallydifferent walls.

As an alternative or in addition, the object of the present invention isachieved in that the filter system for separating off contaminants froma stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants includes thefollowing:

a base construction through which the stream of untreated gas isguidable;

a fire protection device by means of which a fire in the filter systemis preventable, containable and/or extinguishable, wherein the fireprotection device includes one or more fire protection elements foraffecting propagation of the flames.

In this description and the attached claims, the term “fire” is to beunderstood to mean in particular a fire that causes damage.

A fire protection element may for example be an intermediate wallbetween two or more filter elements or filter modules of the filtersystem. A fire protection element of this kind is in particular a fireprotection wall.

One or more fire protection elements may for example be a part orconstituent part of one or more filter elements or one or more filtermodules.

A fire protection element is for example a section of a filter module, afilter module receptacle, a filter element and/or a filter elementreceptacle.

For example, it may be provided for a fire protection element to be asection of a housing and/or a wall of a filter module, a filter modulereceptacle, a filter element and/or a filter element receptacle.

The filter system that includes a fire protection device preferably hasindividual or a plurality of features and/or advantages of the filtersystems that include at least one filter module.

It may be favourable if the fire protection device includes one or morefire protection elements that are actuable in the event of a fire.

In particular, it may be provided for the fire protection device toinclude one or more fire protection elements that are movable in theevent of a fire, in particular being introducible into a flow path or apath of fire propagation or removable therefrom.

It may be provided for one or more fire protection elements to include afire-retardant material or to be formed from a fire-retardant material.

A fire-retardant material may for example include a metal materialand/or a ceramic material or be a metal material and/or a ceramicmaterial.

A fire-retardant material is in particular a material which, under thestandard DIN 4102, in the event of a fire enables functionality to bemaintained for at least approximately 30 minutes (fire resistance classF30, W30, T30), in particular at least approximately 60 minutes (fireresistance class F60, W60, T60), for example at least approximately 90minutes (fire resistance class F90, W90, T90).

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for one ormore fire protection elements to include a material or to be formed froma material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contact with areagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible.

A material of this kind preferably has a low melting point, a lowresistance to fire, a low chemical stability and/or a low physicalresistance, in particular with reference to further constituent partsand/or structural parts of the filter system.

A material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contact with areagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible, is forexample a foil, fusible link, cardboard or similar.

It may be favourable if one or more fire protection elements include amaterial or are formed from a material that is removable under theeffect of heat, such that in particular a passageway (extinguishingopening) is clearable.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for one ormore fire protection elements to be constructed and/or arranged suchthat under the effect of force, in particular by applying a load and/orpressure, the one or more fire protection elements are removable and/ordestructible.

A material which, under the effect of heat, is disintegrable,liquefiable and/or combustible, is preferably a material which in theevent of a fire ensures that functionality is maintained for less than aminute.

It may be provided for the one or more fire protection elements to bearranged, in an initial position, on one or more receptacles for one ormore fire protection elements.

By comparison with a material of the one or more receptacles, thematerial of the one or more fire protection elements preferably has alower melting point, a lower fire resistance (fire resistance class)and/or a lower chemical stability and/or physical resistance.

It may be favourable if, under the effect of heat and/or in contact witha reagent and/or under the effect of a force, one or more fireprotection elements are removable, in particular without removing,deforming or in any other way affecting the one or more receptacles forreceiving the one or more fire protection elements.

The one or more receptacles are in particular a constituent part of thefilter system, for example sections of a housing and/or a wall of afilter module, a filter module receptacle, a filter element and/or afilter element receptacle.

The one or more receptacles are for example formed from a metal materialor include a metal material.

The one or more receptacles are preferably stabilisation devices formechanically stabilising one or more fire protection elements in normaloperation (filter operation) of the filter system.

For example, it may be provided for a receptacle to include a grating orto be formed by a grating against which one or more fire protectionelements abut or are abuttable.

Normal operation of the filter system is in particular a filteroperation of the filter system in which contaminants are separated offfrom a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants by means ofthe filter system. In normal operation of the filter system, the latteris in particular operable without being impaired.

A distinction should preferably be made between this and an operation orcondition of the filter system in which a fire is present. In the eventof such a fire, the filter system is damaged by a fire or at leastoperation of the filter system is impaired by a fire.

The one or more receptacles for the one or more fire protection elementsare preferably formed from a material which provides a fire resistanceclass of at least F30, W30, T30, preferably at least F60, W60, T60, forexample at least F90, W90, T90.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided for one or moreextinguishing openings in the filter system to be clearable in the eventof a fire by means of one or more fire protection elements.

In particular, it may be provided for one or more extinguishing openingsof one or more filter elements, one or more filter element receptacles,one or more filter modules and/or one or more filter module receptaclesto be clearable.

The one or more extinguishing openings of the filter system are forexample cutouts or apertures in one or more walls of the filter system.The cutouts or apertures are preferably closed in normal operation ofthe filter system by means of one or more fire protection elements.

It may be favourable if one or more receptacles for the one or more fireprotection elements include or form one or more extinguishing openingswhich are closed in normal operation of the filter system by means ofone or more fire protection elements.

The filter system preferably includes one or more filter elements and/orone or more filter modules whereof the interior space is accessible fromoutside in the event of a fire, by removing one or more fire protectionelements.

In particular, it may be provided, under the effect of heat and/or incontact with a reagent and/or under the effect of a force, for the oneor more fire protection elements to be removable such that the interiorspace of the one or more filter elements and/or the interior space ofthe one or more filter modules is accessible from outside.

It may be favourable if the fire protection device includes anapplication device by means of which an extinguishing material and/or areagent is dischargeable.

In particular, it may be provided for an extinguishing material to bedischargeable by means of the application device onto elements and/orregions of the filter system that are burning or are at risk of burning.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for anextinguishing material and/or a reagent to be dischargeable by means ofthe application device onto one or more fire protection elements.

The application device is for example a sprinkler device.

Preferably, a liquid, foam or powder extinguishing material isdischargeable by means of the application device.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for aliquid, foam or powder reagent to be dischargeable by means of theapplication device.

It may be provided for the application device to be constructed and/orarranged such that, when extinguishing material and/or reagent flowsout, the extinguishing material and/or reagent flows out in thedirection of the one or more fire protection elements and strikes theone or more fire protection elements.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided, in the event ofa fire, for extinguishing material and/or reagent to be dischargeable bymeans of the application device through one or more extinguishingopenings in the filter system and into an interior space of the filtersystem, in particular once one or more fire protection elements havebeen removed for clearing one or more extinguishing openings.

The extinguishing material and/or reagent is preferably dischargeableinto an interior space in one or more filter elements and/or into aninterior space in one or more filter modules.

It may be favourable if the application device is arranged outside aninterior space of the filter system, in particular outside an untreatedgas space of the filter system and/or outside a clean gas space of thefilter system. As a result of this, the application device maypreferably be kept free of contamination contained in the stream ofuntreated gas.

The application device may for example be arranged directly over,laterally offset above or laterally next to one or more filter elementsand/or one or more filter modules of the filter system.

It may be advantageous if the filter system includes one or more filtermodules that take the form of rollable or displaceable transportcarriages.

A wall of the one or more transport carriages preferably includes one ormore extinguishing openings which, in normal operation of the filtersystem, are closed by means of one or more fire protection elements.

The one or more extinguishing openings are for example arranged on anupper side or rear side (back, back wall) of the transport carriage.

In particular, it may be provided for the filter system to include atleast one filter module receptacle which is arranged on an outer wall ofa base construction of the filter system and/or is integrated in theouter wall of the base construction. At least one filter module ispreferably arranged or arrangeable by being brought into abutmentagainst the outer wall of the at least one filter module receptacle. Oneor more extinguishing openings are then arranged for example on or inthe outer wall of the base construction. As an alternative or inaddition thereto, it may be provided for one or more extinguishingopenings to be arranged on or in a rear side (back wall) of the at leastone filter module, which is remote from the outer wall.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided for the filtersystem to include one or more filter modules which take the form ofrollable or displaceable transport carriages. A wall of the one or moretransport carriages preferably includes one or more extinguishingopenings which, in normal operation of the filter system, are closed bymeans of one or more fire protection elements.

In particular, it may be provided for one or more top walls and/or sidewalls, in particular one or more back walls (rear sides), of the one ormore transport carriages to include one or more extinguishing openingswhich, in normal operation of the filter system, are closed by one ormore fire protection elements.

The filter system described above is suitable in particular for use in apainting system.

The present invention thus also relates to a painting system forpainting workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, which in particularincludes one or more filter systems according to the invention.

The present invention further relates to a method for operating a filtersystem for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gasthat contains contaminants.

In particular, the invention relates to a method for operating a filtersystem according to the invention.

Preferably, in the method according to the invention there is providedthe following:

-   -   activation of a fire protection device for preventing,        containing and/or extinguishing a fire in the filter system,        wherein the propagation of flames is affected by means of one or        more fire protection elements of the fire protection device.

The method according to the invention further preferably has individualor a plurality of features and/or advantages that are described inconjunction with the filter systems according to the invention and/orthe painting systems according to the invention and/or the method forseparating off contaminants.

It may be favourable if, by means of one or more fire protectionelements, in the event of a fire one or more extinguishing openings ofthe filter system are cleared.

Thus, in the case of the method preferably one or more fire protectionelements are at first arranged such that one or more extinguishingopenings of the filter system are covered or closed. For clearing one ormore extinguishing openings, the one or more fire protection elementsare preferably removed.

Further, the filter systems, the painting systems and/or the methods mayhave individual or a plurality of the features and/or advantagesdescribed below:

By means of one or more fire protection elements, which are inparticular formed from a fire-retardant material, it is preferablypossible to reduce a rate of propagation of fire (rate of flamepropagation) and/or to prevent or at least slow the spread of fire fromburning filter elements and/or filter modules to further filter elementsand/or filter modules.

A material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contact with areagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible, is forexample a fusible material.

It may be advantageous if one or more filter modules include a frameformed from profile structural parts, in particular aluminium profiles.

Surface structural parts of a filter module are preferably metal panels,for example aluminium panels or aluminium composite panels.

In particular, it may be provided for a filter module to include a framemade from aluminium profiles and walls formed from aluminium panels oraluminium composite panels. In this way, a filter module may be producedquickly and simply.

A filter module is in particular abuttable, pressable and/or placeableagainst an outer wall of the filter system.

A seal may be made between a filter module and a filter modulereceptacle for example by means of a sealing strip, in particular arubber sealing strip. A sealing strip or other kind of seal may forexample be arranged on the filter module and/or the filter modulereceptacle.

Preferably, a seal is made between a filter module and a filter modulereceptacle by pressing a sealing element or other kind of seal, forexample a sealing strip, against a planar surface.

As an alternative thereto, it may be provided for one or more respectivesealing elements, for example edge-protecting sealing strips or rubberclamping strips, to be provided both on the filter module and also onthe filter module receptacle.

It may be favourable if the filter system includes an immobilisingdevice for immobilising one or more filter modules on one or more filtermodule receptacles.

The immobilising device may for example include one or more immobilisingelements, in particular one or more shoot bolt rods.

The immobilising element is preferably engageable with a projectionand/or a recess which is arranged for example in a floor.

Preferably, the immobilising device includes one or more oblique facessuch that when the immobilising device is engaged with a projectionand/or a recess a clamping action can be produced. For example, it maybe provided, by means of one or more oblique faces, for a filter moduleto be pressable against a filter module receptacle and/or to beimmobilised in this position by means of the immobilising element of theimmobilising device.

The immobilising device may for example have one immobilising element,two immobilising elements or more than two immobilising elements perfilter module.

An immobilising device which serves in particular as a locking device ispreferably used when one or more filter elements are abuttable orarrangeable on an outer wall of the filter system. By using filtermodules of this kind and/or the associated immobilising device, it ispossible in particular to produce good accessibility for the filtermodules on the one hand, but also secure fixing of the filter modules onthe filter module receptacles on the other.

The immobilising device may further take the form for example of adoorstop, for example a doorstop that is lowerable into the floor. Inthis way too, a filter module may be fixed on the filter modulereceptacle simply and reliably.

By means of the immobilising device, the filter module is preferablylockable, and/or fixable in a predetermined position, and is preferablyalso pressable against the filter module receptacle for producing acontact pressure force at a seal.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided for the filtersystem, in particular a filter module and/or a filter module receptacle,to include an actuating device for actuating one or more valve devices.

An actuating device of this kind includes in particular an actuatinglever which is coupled to one or more flap elements of the valve device.

By actuating the actuating lever, the one or more flap elements of thevalve device are preferably movable from an open position into a closedposition or from a closed position into an open position.

Preferably, the actuating device includes a restoring device, forexample a spring, by means of which the actuating lever and/or the oneor more flap elements of the valve device are automatically moved into aclosed position in the absence of actuation of the actuating lever.

Preferably, the actuating device further includes a limit stop and/or aslot guide which is for example arranged on a filter module and servesto actuate the actuating lever.

The actuating lever and the entire valve device are then preferablyarranged on a filter module receptacle.

However, it may also be provided for the valve device and the actuatinglever of the actuating device to be arranged on a filter module. Thelimit stop and/or the slot guide for actuating the actuating lever arethen preferably arranged on the filter module receptacle.

The valve device is in particular a flap for closing off a clean gaschannel from an area surrounding the filter system.

A valve device is preferably arranged directly downstream of the filtermodule.

The valve device is preferably actuable mechanically by bringing thefilter module closer to the filter module receptacle, in particular suchthat flap elements of the valve device are opened.

When the filter module is moved away from the filter module receptacle,the flap elements of the valve device are preferably closedautomatically.

The opening procedure and/or closing procedure may preferably betriggered by means of the limit stop and/or a slot guide.

For ensuring constant painting conditions in the painting system,preferably a volumetric flow in the painting zones is kept constant.Usually, as the duration of use of a filter module lengthens, adifference in pressure brought about by the contamination that hindersflow through the filter elements increases.

During operation of the filter module, in particular beyond an overallduration of operation, a volumetric flow of the stream of gas flowingthrough a filter module is preferably measured and/or regulatedcontinuously. For example, the volumetric flow may be determined bymeasuring the difference in pressure and/or by means of a Pitot tube, aflywheel and/or a hot wire.

As a result of increasing difference in pressure, the volumetric flowfalls as the duration of operation continues.

Preferably, for adapting volumetric flow, a speed of rotation and/or theoutput of a ventilator and/or fan is controlled and/or regulated.

For example, it may be provided for a rotational speed of a ventilatorto be continuously increased as the filter elements increasingly fillwith contamination and as the difference in pressure concomitantlyincreases.

By determining the speed of rotation of the ventilator impeller, achange-over time for changing one or more filter elements of a filtermodule may preferably be determined. For example, it may be provided forone or more filter elements and/or filter modules to be exchanged when adefined rotational speed limit value is reached. In particular,individual filter modules and/or filter elements of a filter module ofone or more painting zones of the painting system may be exchanged.

It may be favourable if the filter system includes one or more filtermodules and a collecting channel.

Preferably, a stream of clean gas obtainable by cleaning the stream ofuntreated gas is feedable to the collecting channel from the one or morefilter modules.

It may be favourable if the collecting channel is arranged above the oneor more filter modules.

In particular, the collecting channel is arranged directly over the oneor more filter modules.

The collecting channel and the one or more filter modules are thuspreferably arranged to succeed one another in the vertical direction.

In this arrangement, the filter system preferably has a one-sided filtermodule arrangement, in which all the filter modules are arranged on asingle side of a central untreated gas shaft.

The one or more filter modules are preferably movable on a floor onwhich the entire filter system is arranged. This floor is in particulara factory floor that is preferably designed for very heavy loads.

An inlet opening of a filter module may for example be below an outletopening, such that a stream of clean gas that has been cleaned by meansof the filter module can leave the filter module upwards.

A collecting channel is preferably arranged above the outlet openings ofthe filter modules and serves in particular to guide away clean gas fromall the filter modules.

In an alternative embodiment, it may be provided for the filter modulesto be arranged on one side and the collecting channel on the other side,on opposite sides of the central untreated gas shaft.

In that case, the filter system preferably includes one or more cleangas channels by means of which clean gas is guidable away from thefilter modules and is feedable to the collecting channel.

In this arrangement, the one or more clean gas channels preferablyintersect the untreated gas shaft and in particular have untreated gasflowing around them during operation of the filter system.

In this arrangement, the clean gas channels are in particular arrangedabove inflow openings of the filter modules.

The clean gas channel is preferably arranged, in respect of the verticaldirection, at least approximately at the same level as the filtermodules.

Clean gas channels that intersect the untreated gas shaft may also becalled spur lines.

All the statements regarding a side and/or the central arrangement ofthe untreated gas shaft relate to a cross section of the filter systemand/or the painting system that is perpendicular to a conveyingdirection of the conveying device.

It may be advantageous if the filter system includes one or more filtermodules that include a pre-separating device.

The pre-separating device preferably includes one or more separatingelements which have for example an I-shaped and/or double T-shaped crosssection.

Preferably, one or more separating elements of the pre-separating deviceare arranged offset from one another and/or nested inside one another.

The pre-separating device preferably serves to deflect, one or moretimes, the flow of a stream of untreated gas that is flowing into afilter module. In this way, it is possible in particular for large andhence slow-moving contamination to impact against the separatingelements of the pre-separating device and thus to be separated off fromthe stream of untreated gas.

The pre-separating device may for example be suspended, clipped,latched, plugged in and/or otherwise secured upstream of a main filterdevice of a filter module.

The pre-separating device may for example be arranged on or in acatching element, for example a catching trough.

The pre-separating device preferably has a flow cross section thatcorresponds at least to an inflow cross section of a filter module.

The pre-separating device may in this case include for example one ormore segments.

Preferably, the pre-separating device extends over individual, severalor all of the filter elements of the main filter device of the filtermodule.

For changing a successive filter stage, in particular of filter elementsof the main filter device, the pre-separating device is preferablydemounted.

The pre-separating device may for example include cardboard material,synthetic material, ceramic material and/or metal or be formed fromcardboard material, synthetic material, ceramic material and/or metal.

If necessary, the pre-separating device is preferably arrangeable on afilter module, in particular on filter modules that are arranged belowpainting zones having a high incidence of paint overspray. The periodover which a filter module is operated until one or more filter elementsare exchanged may preferably be increased by the use of a pre-separatingdevice.

The pre-separating device is preferably retrofittable on a filtermodule.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided for one or morefilter modules to include one or more filter elements that are receiveddisplaceably in the filter module.

It may be advantageous if, for removing one or more filter elements fromthe filter module, the filter module as a whole is tiltable, such thatone or more filter elements slide out of the filter module. Inparticular, in this way these filter elements may be fed directly to adisposal container.

It may be favourable if a filter module is equipped with pre-assembledfilter units that in particular comprise a plurality of filter elements.As a result, the equipping of a filter module may preferably beaccelerated and/or automated.

In a further development of the invention, it may be provided for afilter module to be a driverless transport vehicle or to include adriverless transport vehicle.

A filter module of this kind may preferably by itself move to a filterposition on a filter module receptacle and/or to a change-over point forchanging over one or more filter elements.

As an alternative or in addition thereto, it may be provided for thefilter system to include a separate vehicle with a power unit, inparticular a driverless transport vehicle, by means of which apreferably unpowered filter module is transportable from a filter modulereceptacle to a change-over point and/or from the change-over point tothe filter module receptacle.

Further preferred features and/or advantages of the invention form thesubject matter of the description below and the illustration ofexemplary embodiments in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic vertical section through a first embodiment ofa painting system for painting vehicle bodies, which includes a filtersystem for cleaning a stream of untreated gas that is laden with paintoverspray;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a filter modulereceptacle of the filter system, by means of which a filter module forcleaning the stream of untreated gas is receivable;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of the filter module receptacle fromFIG. 2 and a filter module, during the introduction or removal of thefilter module into or out of the filter module receptacle;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an alternativeembodiment of a filter module;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view, corresponding to FIG. 3, of thefilter module from FIG. 4 and an alternative embodiment of the filtermodule receptacle, during the introduction of the filter module into thefilter module receptacle;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view, corresponding to FIG. 5, of thefilter module receptacle and the filter module, wherein the filtermodule is arranged in a filter position;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a pre-filter deviceof a filter module, wherein the pre-filter device has a single flowdeflection point;

FIG. 8 shows an illustration, corresponding to FIG. 7, of an alternativeembodiment of a pre-filter device of a filter module, wherein thepre-filter device has two flow deflection points;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a second embodiment of a painting system, in which flow guideplates which are arranged obliquely in relation to a direction of flowof the stream of untreated gas are provided;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a third embodiment of a painting system, which has an alternativearrangement and flow through filter devices of the filter system;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a fourth embodiment of a painting system, which has a furtheralternative arrangement and flow through filter devices of the filtersystem;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of the fourth embodiment of the painting system from FIG. 11, whereinan untreated gas shaft of the filter system of the painting system isclosed;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a fifth embodiment of a painting system, in which filter modulesthat are abuttable against side walls of the filter system are provided;

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged illustration of the region XIV in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a sixth embodiment of a painting system, in which filter modulesthat are abuttable against side walls of the filter system and a fireprotection device are provided;

FIG. 16 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a filter module ofthe painting system from FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic perspective and partly transparentillustration of the filter module from FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a seventh embodiment of a painting system, in which there areprovided filter modules which are arranged centrally and a fireprotection device which is arranged directly over the filter modules;

FIG. 19 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of an eighth embodiment of a painting system, in which there areprovided filter modules which are arranged centrally and a fireprotection device which is arranged laterally offset from the filtermodules;

FIG. 20 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a ninth embodiment of a painting system, in which a centraluntreated gas shaft and filter modules that are arranged on one side areprovided, as is a collecting channel for clean gas that is arrangedabove the filter modules;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.1, of a tenth embodiment of a painting system, in which a centraluntreated gas shaft and one or more clean gas channels that pass throughthe untreated gas shaft are provided;

FIG. 22 shows a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of afilter module, in which there is provided an immobilising device thatincludes a shoot bolt rod that is engageable with a projection on afloor;

FIG. 23 shows a schematic side view, corresponding to FIG. 22, of afurther alternative embodiment of a filter module, in which there isprovided an immobilising device that includes a shoot bolt rod that isengageable with a recess in a floor;

FIG. 24 shows a schematic horizontal section through a furtheralternative embodiment of a filter module, in which a pre-separatingdevice is provided;

FIG. 25 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a furtheralternative embodiment of a filter module, in which an actuating deviceis provided for actuating a valve device, wherein the valve device is ina closed position;

FIG. 26 shows an enlarged illustration of the region XXVI in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 shows a schematic perspective illustration, corresponding toFIG. 25, of the alternative embodiment of the filter module from FIG.25, wherein the valve device is in an open position; and

FIG. 28 shows an enlarged illustration of the region XXVIII in FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the samereference numerals in all the Figures.

A first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, of a painting systemthat is designated 100 as a whole serves for painting workpieces 102,for example vehicle bodies 104.

The painting system 100 is in particular a spray painting system, inwhich a liquid or powder paint is propelled in the direction of theworkpiece 102 in order to coat the workpiece 102.

In order, during operation of the painting system 100, to preventsurfaces that are not to be painted from becoming undesirablycontaminated, a stream of air flows in the direction of gravity g,downwards from above, through a paint spray booth 106 in which theactual painting procedure takes place.

As it flows through the paint spray booth 106, this stream of air takesup paint particles and/or paint droplets that do not adhere to theworkpiece 102, and so becomes contaminated.

The stream of gas that is obtainable as a result is called the stream ofuntreated gas, which contains as contaminants paint overspray particlesor paint overspray droplets.

The painting system 100 includes a conveying device 108 by means ofwhich the workpieces 102, in particular the vehicle bodies 104, areconveyable through the paint spray booth 106 in a conveying direction110.

To clean the stream of untreated gas that is laden with contaminants,the painting system 100 includes a filter system 112 that is arrangeddirectly below the paint spray booth 106 and to which the stream ofuntreated gas is feedable through a booth floor 114 of the paint spraybooth 106.

The filter system 112 includes a base construction 116, in particular arack or housing in which a plurality of filter devices 118 are arranged.

In particular, the base construction 116 of the filter system 112 has aplurality of filter module receptacles 120 for receiving a plurality offilter modules 122.

The filter module receptacles 120 are arranged fixed to the paintingsystem 100, in particular to the filter system 112.

By contrast, the filter modules 122 are preferably constructed to bemovable and are selectively introducible into the filter modulereceptacles 120 or removable therefrom.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the first embodiment of the filter system112 two filter module receptacles 120 and two filter modules 122 arearranged opposite one another in respect of a vertical longitudinalcentre plane 124 of the paint spray booth 100, in particular the filtersystem 112, and are in particular constructed to be substantiallymirror-symmetrical to one another.

In addition to the two filter module receptacles 120 and filter modules122 that are illustrated, the filter system 112 preferably includesfurther filter module receptacles 120 and filter modules 122, whichpreferably form two rows, extending longitudinally in relation to theconveying direction 110, of filter module receptacles 120 and filtermodules 122 arranged one behind the other.

Each filter module receptacle 120 preferably includes an interior space126 which, by means of valve devices 128 that are associated with therespective filter module receptacle 120, is renderable accessible or isclosable.

In particular, by means of each filter module receptacle 120, a separateflow channel 130 of the filter system 112 is formed. Preferably, some ofthe stream of untreated gas may be guided through each flow channel 130,substantially independently of the further flow channels 130.

In particular, when there is a filter module 122 in a filter modulereceptacle 120 it is thus possible in each flow channel 130 for some ofthe stream of untreated gas to be freed of contamination in a targetedmanner, with the result that it is guidable away out of the respectivefilter module receptacle 120 as a stream of clean gas.

Each filter module receptacle 120 includes a valve device 128 that takesthe form for example of a flap 132 and is arranged for example at aninlet opening 134 in the filter module receptacle 120.

The inlet opening 134 that is provided with the flap 132 is inparticular a bypass opening 136 of the filter module receptacle 120.

Further, each filter module receptacle 120 preferably includes a furtherinlet opening 134 against which a pre-filter device (described below) ofthe associated filter module 122 abuts during filter operation of thefilter system 112.

It is thus possible, by opening or closing the flap 132 of the bypassopening 136, to adjust in a targeted manner whether the stream ofuntreated gas flows into the interior space 126 of the filter modulereceptacle 120 through the bypass opening 136 and/or through thepre-filter device.

The inlet opening 134 that is associated with the bypass opening 136 isarranged in a top wall 138 of the filter module receptacle 120.

The further inlet opening 134 is arranged in a side wall 140 of thefilter module receptacle 120 which is arranged facing the verticallongitudinal centre plane 124 of the filter system 112.

Formed by the mutually opposite pairs of filter module receptacles 120,by means of the side walls 140 of the filter module receptacles 120, isan untreated gas shaft 142 through which the untreated gas that iscontaminated with paint overspray and is guided away out of the paintspray booth 106 is feedable to the filter devices 118.

Further, the filter module receptacles 120 each include at least oneoutlet opening 144 through which the stream of gas guided through thefilter module receptacle 120 is guidable away.

Moreover, an access opening 146, in particular a closable door 148, isassociated with each filter module receptacle 120.

Through the access opening 146, which is arranged in particular in anouter wall 150 of the filter system 112, a filter module 122 can beremoved from the filter module receptacle 120, or a filter module 122can be fed to the filter module receptacle 120.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, in the illustrated first embodiment thefilter module receptacles 120 and accordingly also the filter modules122 are arranged on a level 152 that is arranged above a floor 154 onwhich in turn the entire painting system 100 is constructed.

Arranged below, and in particular directly underneath, the filter modulereceptacles 120 are additional filter devices 156 which are preferablyfilter devices 118 other than the filter devices 118 of the filtermodules 122.

As can further be seen from FIG. 1, the side walls 140 of the filtermodule receptacles 120 include the outlet openings 144.

With respect to the direction of gravity g, the outlet openings 144 arearranged below the inlet openings 134 and separated from one another bymeans of a separating wall 158, which connects to one another on asubstantially horizontal plane the filter module receptacles 120, whichare arranged opposite one another in respect of the verticallongitudinal centre plane 124.

In this arrangement, the region above the separating wall 158 is theuntreated gas shaft 142.

The region below the separating wall 158 is the region into which thestream of gas that has been cleaned by means of the filter device 118flows, and this region is thus called the clean gas channel 160.

The clean gas that flows out of the filter module receptacles 120 and isobtainable by cleaning the contaminated untreated gas is feedable to theadditional filter devices 156 through the clean gas channel 160.

Flow through the additional filter devices 156 is then in asubstantially horizontal direction in order to further enhance thecleanness of the clean gas.

Finally, this clean gas is fed to two collecting channels 162 which arearranged on the sides of the additional filter devices 156 remote fromthe vertical longitudinal centre plane 124.

The top wall 138 of each filter module receptacle 120 is orientedsubstantially horizontal in the case of the first embodiment of thepainting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, that isillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8.

In this arrangement, the top wall 138 forms a flow guide plate 164 bymeans of which the stream of untreated gas is feedable in targetedmanner to the inlet openings 134.

Further details relating to the filter module receptacle 120 and thefilter module 122 will be described below with particular reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve device 128 in the region ofthe outlet opening 144 takes the form of a louvre flap 166.

Moreover, a guide device 168 is provided in the filter module receptacle120.

Finally, the filter module receptacle 120 also includes a plurality ofsealing regions 170 for bringing into abutment corresponding sealingregions 170 of a filter module 122.

The guide device 168 in particular serves for moving, guiding and/orimmobilising a filter module 122 in relation to the filter modulereceptacle 120.

The guide device 18 includes in particular a telescopic rail guide 172by means of which a filter module 122 is movable from the filterposition illustrated in FIG. 1 into a change-over position.

In the filter position of the filter module 122, the sealing regions 170of the filter module receptacle 120 and the sealing regions 170 of thefilter module 122 abut against one another, with the result that astream of gas flowing through the filter module receptacle 120 and thefilter module 122 reliably follows a predetermined flow path.

A first sealing region 170 of the filter module receptacle 120 takes theform of an inlet region 174 of the inlet opening 134 that is arranged inthe side wall 140. In this arrangement, the inlet region 174 is inparticular a projection that projects into the interior space 126 of thefilter module receptacle 120.

The further sealing region 170 of the filter module receptacle 120 isformed by a frame element 176, which is a different element from a wallof the filter module receptacle 120 and runs substantially parallel tothe side wall 140 in the region of the outlet opening 144.

In the embodiment of a filter module receptacle 120 and a filter module122 that is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide device 168 takes theform of a telescopic rail guide 172, as described above.

Instead of a telescopic rail guide 172 of this kind, however, a rollerguide 178 may also be provided (see FIGS. 4 to 6).

Since the embodiment of the filter module receptacle 120 and the filtermodule 122 according to FIGS. 2 and 3 otherwise coincides with theembodiment according to FIGS. 4 to 6, reference will be made below toall the FIGS. 1 to 6 and to further FIGS. 7 and 8 for a detaileddescription of the filter module 122.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, the filter module 122preferably takes the form of a transport carriage 180. By means of thistransport carriage 180, in particular a plurality of filter elements 182can be transported together.

For this purpose, the filter module 122 includes a plurality of filterelement receptacles 184 for receiving a plurality of filter elements182.

The filter elements 182 and the filter element receptacles 184 arepreferably arranged and/or constructed independently of one another suchthat individual filter elements 182 can be removed from the filterelement receptacles 184 independently of the further filter elements 182and, for example for exchanging contaminated filter elements 182, can bereplaced by fresh filter elements 182.

The filter module 122 preferably includes three filter devices 118,through which the stream of gas flows one after the other orsuccessively, in relation to a direction of flow during the filteroperation of the filter system 112.

A pre-filter device 186, a main filter device 188 and a post-filterdevice 190 are provided in accordance with the order of through flow.

The pre-filter device 186 is for example an inertial filter having asingle or multiple points of deflection.

For this purpose, the pre-filter device 186 preferably includes only asingle filter element 182.

A filter element receptacle 184 for receiving the filter element 182 ofthe pre-filter device 186 may for example be a frame 192 or rack 194 ofthe filter module 122.

The pre-filter device 186 is in particular arranged directly over themain filter device 188.

The main filter device 188 includes a plurality of filter elementreceptacles 184, for example six, for receiving a plurality of filterelements 182, in particular six.

The filter elements 182 of the main filter device 188 are preferablyinertial separators, for example disposable filters.

The post-filter device 190 is arranged laterally adjacent to the mainfilter device 188.

The post-filter device 190 in particular includes a single filterelement 182, which takes the form for example of a mat filter.

Flow is possible through the filter elements 182 of the pre-filterdevice 186, the main filter device 188 and the post-filter device 190 ina substantially horizontal direction.

A direction of flow through the pre-filter device 186 is in thisarrangement opposed to the direction of flow through the main filterdevice 188 and the post-filter device 190.

The filter module 122 further includes at least one catching element 196by means of which contaminants falling during filter operation of thefilter module 122 and/or during the exchange of filter elements 182 arecatchable.

The catching element 196 in particular takes the form of a trough 198.

Finally, the filter module 122 also includes one or more handlingelements 200, for example handles 202, by means of which a person cansimply grasp the filter module 122 in order to move it.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, aside from the possibility ofmoving by means of the guide device 168, the filter module 122 is alsomovable by means of a separate transport device 204.

The transport device 204 may for example be a lifting truck device 206by means of which the filter module 122 is liftable and transportableaway.

As an alternative thereto, in one embodiment (not illustrated) of thepainting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, it may beprovided for one or more filter modules 122 to be movable, in particulartransportable, by means of an overhead conveyor or a driverlesstransport system.

By means of the guide device 168, the filter module 122 is movable inparticular from a filter position (see FIG. 6) into a change-overposition and/or from the change-over position into the filter position.

By means of the transport device 204, the filter module 122 isreceivable at the place in which it is located in the change-overposition, and is transportable away therefrom. Further, a filter module122 is transportable to the filter system 112 by means of the transportdevice 204, in particular such that a filter module 122 that istransported inwards is movable into the change-over position.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the filter system 112 may include achange-over device 208 for automatically changing over individual or aplurality of filter elements 182 or individual or a plurality of filtermodules 122.

The change-over device 208 in particular takes the form of a roboticdevice 210 and is movable along the filter system 112, in and inopposition to the conveying direction 110.

A change-over device 208 of this kind may be provided on one side or onboth sides of the filter system 112 (illustrated only on one side inFIG. 1).

The painting system 100 described above, in particular the filter system112 described above, functions as follows:

During operation of the painting system 100, the air guided through thepaint spray booth 106 is contaminated with paint overspray and is fed tothe filter system 112 as a contaminated stream of untreated gas.

During this, the stream of untreated gas flows into the untreated gasshaft 142 and through the inlet openings 134 in the side walls 140 intothe filter module receptacles 120.

A further portion of the stream of untreated gas, in particular aportion of the stream of untreated gas that flows close to the outerwalls 150 of the paint spray booth 106 and the filter system 112,preferably flows through the bypass openings 136, that is to say throughthe inlet openings 134 in the top walls 138, of the filter modulereceptacles 120 and into the interior space 126 of the filter modulereceptacles 120.

Since the pre-filter devices 186 of the filter modules 122 are directlyadjacent to the inlet openings 134 in the side walls 140 of the filtermodule receptacles 120, the portion of the stream of untreated gas thatflows through these inlet openings 134 in the side walls 140 is guidedthrough the pre-filter devices 186 and is thus already freed of some ofthe contaminants contained therein.

After flowing through the pre-filter devices 186, this portion of thestream of untreated gas is merged with the stream of untreated gas thathas been guided through the bypass openings 136 and is fed to the mainfilter devices 188.

As it flows through the main filter devices 188, the stream of untreatedgas is further cleaned and thereafter is fed to the post-filter devices190 for even more thorough separation of contaminants.

After flowing through all the filter devices 118 of the filter modules122, the stream of gas that has been cleaned in this way leaves thefilter module receptacles 120 as a stream of clean gas, through theoutlet openings 144 of the filter module receptacles 120.

In particular, the stream of clean gas then reaches the clean gaschannel 160.

In the clean gas channel 160, the stream of clean gas is guideddownwards in the direction of gravity g and is then fed to theadditional filter devices 156 in the horizontal direction.

After supplementary cleaning of the stream of clean gas by means of theadditional filter devices 156, the stream of clean gas reaches thecollecting channels 162 and is guided away out of the filter system 112by means of the collecting channels 162.

After a certain duration of operation of the painting system 100, inparticular after a certain duration of operation of the filter system112, the filter elements 182 of the filter devices 118 are laden withcontaminants, in particular being contaminated with paint overspray.

This reduces the filtering performance of the filter elements 182.Further, it brings about an increase in the flow resistance of thefilter elements 182.

The filter system 112 then no longer operates at maximum efficiency.

Thus, the filter elements 182 have to be exchanged at regular intervals,wherein more pronouncedly contaminated filter elements 182 in particularhave to be replaced by fresh filter elements 182.

For this purpose, first the inlet opening 134 in the top wall 138 and/orthe outlet opening 144 in the side wall 140 are closed by means of thevalve devices 128. This interrupts the flow through the filter modulereceptacle 120.

The access opening 146, in particular the door 148, can now be opened inorder to move the filter module 122 from the filter position into thechange-over position.

In this change-over position, individual or a plurality of filterelements 182 can be exchanged and replaced by fresh filter elements 182.

As an alternative thereto, it may be provided for first the inletopening 134 in the top wall 138 to be closed and then the access opening146, in particular the door 148, to be opened and thereafter the outletopening 144 in the side wall 140 to be closed. As a result of this, thefilter module receptacle 120 and/or the filter module 122 can be flushedwith fresh air, in particular ambient air or air from the factory,before the filter module 120 is moved from the filter position into thechange-over position.

The outlet opening 144 can further, as an alternative thereto, alsoremain open continuously, in particular throughout the change-overprocedure.

Following the filter change, the filter module 122 may be moved backinto the filter position and is then, once the valve devices 128 havebeen opened, available for further filter operation.

As an alternative thereto, once the filter module 122 has been moved outof the filter position into the change-over position, it may also beprovided for the entire filter module 122 to be removed from the filtersystem 112 and exchanged for a fresh filter module 122, that is to say afilter module 122 having fresh filter elements 182.

This may in particular take place by means of the transport device 204and/or by means of the change-over device 208.

Because the filter module receptacles 120 form substantially mutuallyindependent flow channels 130 of the filter system 112, individualfilter modules 122 or filter elements 182 may also be changed whileoperation of the filter system 112 continues, since during anexchange—that is to say the temporary shut-off—of individual filtermodules 122 the remaining filter modules 122 continue to provide thefunction of cleaning the filter system 112.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate different embodiments of pre-filter devices 186which, depending on the requirement, may be used as a pre-filter device186 of the filter modules 122 described.

FIG. 7 illustrates a pre-filter device 186 in which a single flowdeflection point is provided. A bottom wall 212 and a lower section 214of a back wall 216 of the filter element 182 of the pre-filter device186 in this case form an impact region 218 at which contaminants, inparticular particles of paint overspray, accumulate when flow isdeflected.

The embodiment of the pre-filter device 186 that is illustrated in FIG.8 differs therefrom substantially in that the filter element 182includes an intermediate wall 220.

Because of the intermediate wall 220, and because of a different shapeof the back wall 216, in the embodiment of the pre-filter device 186that is illustrated in FIG. 8 two flow deflection points are provided.

In this arrangement, the bottom wall 212, the intermediate wall 220 andan upper section 222 of the back wall 216 serve as impact regions 218for separating off contaminants, in particular particles of paintoverspray.

A second embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filtersystem 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 9 differs from the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially in that the top wall 138 ofeach filter module receptacle 120, which serves as a flow guide plate164, is oriented to be inclined instead of the substantially horizontalorientation.

As a result, the flow guide plates 164 of the filter system 112 enable adifferent flow guidance, in particular a different distribution of thestream of untreated gas between the bypass opening 136 and the inletopening 134 in the side wall 140 of each filter module receptacle 120.

Otherwise, the second embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, of the paintingsystem 100, in particular the filter system 112, corresponds, as regardsits structure and functioning, to the first embodiment described above,so in this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

A third embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filtersystem 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 10 differs from the firstembodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially in thatthe untreated gas shaft 142 extends over the entire height of the filtermodule receptacle 120 and only a single inlet opening 134, namely aninlet opening 134 in the side wall 140 of each filter module receptacle120, is provided.

The top wall 138 of each filter module receptacle 120 thus has a closedsurface.

Directly adjoining the inlet opening 134 in the side wall 140 is themain filter device 188, which is followed in the direction of flow bythe post-filter device 190.

In the third embodiment of the painting system 100 that is illustratedin FIG. 10, no pre-filter device 186 is thus provided.

The outlet opening 144 of each filter module receptacle 120 is arrangedin a plane 152 that downwardly delimits the filter module receptacle120.

In this arrangement, the outlet opening 144 is arranged on the side ofthe filter module 122 remote from the vertical longitudinal centre plane124.

Through the outlet opening 144, the stream of clean gas reaches the sideof an additional filter device 156 remote from the vertical longitudinalcentre plane 124.

Thus, flow through the additional filter device 156 is in a directionfacing towards the vertical longitudinal centre plane 124.

In the region of the longitudinal centre plane 124 that is between theadditional filter devices 156 of the filter system 112, there isarranged a collecting channel 162 through which the clean gas guidedaway out of all the filter modules 122 is guided away centrally.

The third embodiment of the painting system 100, in particular thefilter system 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 10 can offer theadvantage that the filter modules 122 are accessible through the accessopenings 146 from a clean gas side of the filter system 112.

This preferably reduces the risk of an undesirable exit of contaminateduntreated gas when the access opening 146, in particular the door 148,is opened for changing over the filter modules 122.

Otherwise, the third embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10, of the paintingsystem 100, in particular the filter system 112, corresponds, as regardsits structure and functioning, to the first embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 8, so in this respect reference is made to the descriptionthereof above.

A fourth embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filtersystem 112, that is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 differs from thefirst embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially inthat the untreated gas shaft 142 extends along the vertical longitudinalcentre plane 124 as far as a floor 154 of the filter system 112.

The filter module receptacles 120 are also arranged on the floor 154 ofthe filter system 112 and, in accordance with the third embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10, untreated gas flows through them from the insideoutwards.

The clean gas that is obtained after flow through the filter modules 122is guided away via outlet openings 144 of the filter module receptacles120 arranged in the top wall 138.

Arranged above the filter module receptacles 120 are additional filterdevices 156 and collecting channels 162, in order to further clean theclean gas and finally guide it away out of the filter system 112.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 12, the painting system 100according to the fourth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12,preferably includes a fire protection device 224.

The fire protection device 224 may in particular include flap elements226 or slide elements 228 which, in the event of a fire, areintroducible into the untreated gas shaft 142 in order to close it.

The flap elements 226 or slide elements 228 may in particular beextensions to walls of the filter module receptacles 120 which, ifnecessary, are introducible into the untreated gas shaft 142, inparticular being foldable or slidable thereinto.

The flap elements 226 or slide elements 228 are preferably associatedwith individual filter module receptacles 120 and can thus preferablyalso be introduced into the untreated gas shaft 142 in the region ofindividual filter module receptacles 120, independently of the flapelements 226 or slide elements 228 of the other filter modulereceptacles 120. As a result, during filter change-over this region canbe protected from undesirable contamination, and the associated filtermodule 122 can be exchanged conveniently and with the minimum possiblecontamination.

In particular for optimising protection from fire, preferably all thewalls of the filter module receptacle 120 and/or the filter system 112are fire protection walls.

Otherwise, the fourth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, of apainting system 100, in particular a filter system 112, corresponds, asregards its structure and functioning, to the first embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, so in this respect reference is made to thedescription thereof above.

A fifth embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filtersystem 112, that is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 differs from thefirst embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8 substantially inthat the filter module receptacles 120 take the form of regions 230 ofabutment against the outer walls 150 of the filter system 112, inparticular the base construction 116 of the filter system 112.

In this arrangement, the outer walls 150 are provided with recesses 232in which the filter modules 122 are arrangeable.

The recesses 232 are of open construction. During filter operation ofthe filter system 112, the filter modules 122 are thus accessible fromoutside the filter system 112.

In the embodiment of the filter system 112 that is illustrated in FIGS.13 and 14, the side wall 140 of the filter module receptacle 120, whichis at the same time the outer wall 150 of the base construction 116,includes an inlet opening 134 and an outlet opening 144.

The inlet opening 134 and the outlet opening 144 are in this arrangementarranged over one another in relation to the direction of gravity g andare separated from one another by means of a separating wall 158.

In this arrangement, the inlet opening 134 is arranged over the outletopening 144.

The filter modules 122 that are abuttable against the regions 230 ofabutment each include a main filter device 188 and a post-filter device190.

In a further embodiment (not illustrated), a pre-filter device 186 maymoreover be provided.

The filter modules 122 each include a housing 234, which is inparticular closed or closable to be fluid-tight on five sides.

A front side 236 of the housing 234, which in the filter positon of thefilter modules 122 abuts against the side wall 140 of the filter modulereceptacle 120, is preferably constructed to be open and is abuttableagainst the inlet opening 134 and the outlet opening 144.

The filter module receptacle 120 and/or the filter module 122 includetwo flange regions, which surround the inlet opening 134 and the outletopening 144 and seal off the filter module receptacle 120 and theassociated filter module 122 from an area surrounding the filter system112.

Each filter module 122 includes an inflow section 238 which adjoins theinlet opening 134, a reversal section 240 for flow reversal, a returnsection 242 for returning the stream of gas in the direction of thefront side 236 of the filter module 122, and an outflow section 244through which the stream of gas is feedable to the outlet opening 144.

The inflow section 238 is arranged, in accordance with the arrangementof the inlet opening 134 and the outlet opening 144, over the outflowsection 244.

The return section 242 is in particular arranged below the main filterdevice 188 and the post-filter device 190.

The reversal section 240 is in particular arranged in the region of arear side 246 of the filter module 122, which is arranged in oppositionto the front side 236 of the filter module 122.

The rear side 246 of the filter module 122 in particular includes anaccess opening 146, for example a door 148, through which an interiorspace 248 of the filter module 122 is accessible. As a result, thefilter elements 182 of the post-filter device 190 and/or the main filterdevice 188 are accessible, for simple exchange thereof.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 14, in the embodiment of thefilter system 112 that is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 the guidedevice 168 is arranged outside a region of the filter system 112 throughwhich a stream of gas flows. This can reduce or entirely prevent anundesirable contamination of the guide device 168 during filteroperation of the filter system 112.

Otherwise, the fifth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, of thepainting system 100, in particular the filter system 112, corresponds,as regards its structure and functioning, to the first embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, so in this respect reference is made to thedescription thereof above.

A sixth embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIGS.15 to 17 differs from the fifth embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS.13 and 14 substantially in that the painting system 100, in particularthe filter system 112, includes a fire protection device 300.

By means of the fire protection device 300, in particular a fire in thefilter system 112 is preventable, containable and/or extinguishable.

In this arrangement, the fire protection device 300 includes one or morefire protection elements 302 for affecting the propagation of flames inthe event of a fire.

In this arrangement, the fire protection elements 302 may on the onehand slow the propagation of fire, in particular if the fire protectionelements 302 are formed from a fire-retardant material having a highfire resistance class.

However, in the sixth embodiment of the painting system 100, which isillustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, the fire protection elements 302 areformed from a material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contactwith a reagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible.

In particular, the material of the fire protection elements 302 isselected such that, in the event of a fire, the fire protection elements302 can be removed or otherwise eliminated in order to clear an accessopening or passage opening.

The access opening or passage opening then forms in particular anextinguishing opening 304 through which an interior space 248 of thefilter modules 122 is accessible (see FIG. 17).

The fire protection device 300 further includes an application device306 by means of which an extinguishing material and/or a reagent isdischargeable.

In the sixth embodiment of the painting system 100, which is illustratedin FIGS. 15 to 17, the application device 306 is arranged directly overthe filter modules 122, with the result that the extinguishing materialand/or reagent can be discharged from above onto a top wall 308 of thefilter modules 122.

The application device 306 in particular takes the form of a sprinklerdevice 310, by means of which liquid, foam or powder extinguishingmaterial and/or liquid, foam or powder reagent is dischargeable.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 15, the application device 306 isarranged outside an untreated gas space 312 of the filter system 112 andoutside the filter modules 122. As a result, undesired contamination ofthe application device 306 during normal operation (filter operation) ofthe filter system 112 can be prevented.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 16 and 17, the top wall 308 ofeach filter module 122 includes a receptacle 314 for receiving one ormore fire protection elements 302.

In this arrangement, the receptacle 314 includes in particular astabilisation device 316 for reliably and stably receiving and/orarranging the one or more fire protection elements 302.

The stabilisation device 316 for example takes the form of a grating 318onto which the one or more fire protection elements 302 are placeable.

The sixth embodiment of a painting system 100, which is illustrated inFIGS. 15 to 17, in particular the fire protection device 300, functionsas follows:

In the event of a fire in the filter system 112, a fire can bepropagated within the filter system 112.

By means of fire protection elements 302 of the fire protection device300, propagation of the fire, in particular the rate of propagation ofthe fire, can be affected in a targeted manner.

For example, by means of fire protection elements 302 that take the formof fire-retardant intermediate walls, the spread of fire from individualfilter modules 122 to adjacent filter modules 122 can be prevented or atleast slowed.

Moreover, by means of fire protection elements 302 which are formed froma material which, under the effect of heat and/or in contact with areagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/or combustible, access to aninterior space 248 of the filter modules 122 can be cleared in atargeted manner.

In particular, by removing the fire protection elements 302, one or moreextinguishing openings 304 in a top wall 308 of the filter modules 122can be cleared.

For this purpose, the fire protection elements 302 are for exampleformed from a fusible or combustible material. In particular, it may beprovided for the fire protection elements 302 to be formed fromcardboard and thus to burn in the event of a fire in order to clear theextinguishing openings 304.

As an alternative thereto, by means of the application device 306 it ispossible to discharge a reagent onto the one or more fire protectionelements 302 in order to cause the one or more fire protection elements302 to disintegrate or to otherwise eliminate them. Also as a result ofthis, one or more extinguishing openings 304 in the top walls 308 of thefilter modules 122 can be cleared.

Once the extinguishing openings 304 have been cleared, in particular aninterior space 248 of the filter modules 122 is accessible, such that bymeans of the application device 306 extinguishing material can beintroduced into the filter modules 122 through the extinguishingopenings 304.

By means of the extinguishing material, it is then possible inparticular to contain and extinguish the fire.

Otherwise, the sixth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, of apainting system 100 corresponds, as regards its structure andfunctioning, to the fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, soin this respect reference is made to the description thereof above.

A seventh embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated inFIG. 18 differs from the sixth embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS.15 to 17 substantially in that only a single row of centrally arrangedfilter modules 122 is provided. A construction of this kind is useful inparticular if the quantity of overspray occurring in the paint spraybooth 106 is relatively small.

In this seventh embodiment of the painting system 100, the stream ofuntreated gas flows substantially vertically from above, through the topwall 308 of the respective filter module 122 and into the respectivefilter module 122. Thereafter, the stream of untreated gas flows throughtwo filter devices 118, namely a main filter device 188 and apost-filter device 190, which are a constituent part of the respectivefilter module 122.

Finally, the stream of gas flowing out of the filter modules 122 isguided through an additional filter device 156 and is finally guidedaway as a stream of clean gas.

A fire protection device 300 is also provided in the seventh embodimentof a painting system 100, which is illustrated in FIG. 18. This fireprotection device 300 is in particular arranged directly over anintermediate wall 320 of the filter system 112.

In this arrangement, the intermediate wall 320 may be a constituent partof the top wall 308, in particular part of the top wall 308, of eachfilter module 122. However, it may also be provided for the intermediatewall 320 to be a constituent part of the base construction 116 of thefilter system 112.

In particular, the intermediate wall 320 separates the region orinterior space 248 of the respective filter module 122 in which thefilter devices 118 are arranged from the region of the filter system 112in which the application device 306 of the fire protection device 300 isarranged. In the seventh embodiment of the painting system 100 that isillustrated in FIG. 18, too, the application device 306 is thuspreferably arranged outside a stream of gas, in particular outside theuntreated gas space 312.

In the event of a fire, the fire protection element 302 that forms theintermediate wall 320 is removable in order to clear access to theinterior space 248 of the filter modules 122.

In particular, it is thus possible to clear an extinguishing opening 304of each filter module 122 by removing the fire protection element 302.

By means of the application device 306, extinguishing material is thendischargeable into the interior space 248 of the respective filtermodule 122, in particular in order to contain or extinguish a firetherein.

Otherwise, the seventh embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 18, of a paintingsystem 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to thesixth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17, so in this respectreference is made to the description thereof above.

An eighth embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated inFIG. 19 differs from the seventh embodiment which is illustrated in FIG.18 substantially in that the application device 306 of the fireprotection device 300 is arranged laterally offset above the filtermodules 122.

In this arrangement, the application device 306 is arranged and orientedsuch that an extinguishing material and/or reagent can be dischargedonto one or more side walls 322 of the filter modules 122.

In particular, extinguishing material and/or a reagent can be dischargedonto one or more back walls 324 of one or more filter modules 122.

The extinguishing openings 304 that are initially covered by means offire protection elements 302 and thus also the associated receptacles314 are accordingly arranged on the side walls 322, in particular theback walls 324, of the filter modules 122.

Once the extinguishing openings 304 have been cleared by removing thefire protection elements 302, it is thus possible in particular tointroduce extinguishing material laterally into the interior space 248of the filter modules 122 in order to contain or extinguish a fire.

Otherwise, the eighth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 19, of a paintingsystem 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to theseventh embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, so in this respect referenceis made to the description thereof above.

A ninth embodiment of a painting system 100 that is illustrated in FIG.20 differs from the fifth embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 13and 14 substantially in that the filter modules 122 are arrangedrollably on the floor 154 on which the entire painting system 100 isconstructed.

Preferably, all the filter modules 120 are arranged on the same side ofthe central untreated gas shaft 142.

The filter modules 120 preferably each include a main filter device 188and a post-filter device 190.

A stream of clean gas that has been cleaned by means of the filterdevices 188, 190 is guidable away out of the filter modules 122, abovethese filter devices 188, 190.

In particular, the stream of clean gas in the ninth embodiment,illustrated in FIG. 20, is feedable by way of a clean gas channel 160 toone or more additional filter devices 156.

The additional filter devices 156 are in particular arranged instationary manner on the base construction 116 and preferably serve as apolicing filter or additional filter, for preventing undesirablecontamination of the clean gas side of the painting system 100.

The stream of clean gas that is guided through the additional filterdevices 156 is feedable to the collecting channel 162, to which inparticular clean gas from all the filter modules 122 is feedable.

Finally, the clean gas can be guided away out of the filter system 112by means of the collecting channel 162 and fed for example to a point ofre-use.

In the ninth embodiment of the painting system 100, in particular thefilter system 112, illustrated in FIG. 20, the collecting channel 162 isarranged above the filter modules 122. In particular, the collectingchannel 162 is arranged directly over the filter modules 122.

Thus, the collecting channel 162 and the filter modules 122 are arrangedin succession in the vertical direction.

In this arrangement, a spacing, which may for example be bridged bymeans of one or more clean gas channels 160, may be provided between thecollecting channel 162 and the filter modules 122. However, it may alsobe provided for the collecting channel 162 to directly adjoin the filtermodules 122 in the vertical direction.

Otherwise, the ninth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 20, of a paintingsystem 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to thefifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, so in this respectreference is made to the description thereof above.

A tenth embodiment of a painting system 100, in particular a filtersystem 112, that is illustrated in FIG. 21 differs from the ninthembodiment which is illustrated in FIG. 20 substantially in that the oneor more clean gas channels 160 pass through the untreated gas shaft 142and thus have untreated gas flowing around them during operation of thefilter system 112.

In this arrangement, the filter modules 122 on the one hand and thecollecting channel 162 on the other are arranged on mutually oppositesides of the central untreated gas shaft 142.

In particular, the collecting channel 162 is arranged substantially atthe same level, in relation to the vertical direction (direction ofgravity g), as the filter modules 122.

Otherwise, the tenth embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 21, of the paintingsystem 100 corresponds, as regards its structure and functioning, to theninth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, so in this respect reference ismade to the description thereof above.

Individual features of different embodiments of filter modules 122and/or filter module receptacles 120 will be explained below withreference to FIGS. 22 to 28. These features may each be providedselectively individually or in combination with one another as analternative or in addition to individual or a plurality of the featuresof the filter modules 122 or filter module receptacles 120 describedabove.

In the embodiment of the filter module 122 illustrated in FIG. 22, animmobilising device 400 is provided, by means of which the filter module120 is immobilisable in a desired position, in particular a filterposition on the filter module receptacle 120.

The immobilising device 400 includes in particular an immobilisingelement 402 that takes the form of a shoot bolt rod and is actuable bymeans of a handle 404 of the immobilising device 400. At its lower end,in relation to the direction of gravity g, the immobilising element 402includes an oblique face 406 which is engageable with an oblique face406 in a projection 408 on the floor 154.

In this arrangement, the oblique faces 406 are in particular orientedrelative to one another such that the filter module 122 is pressedagainst the filter module receptacle 120 when the immobilising element402 is actuated by means of the handle 404.

In the embodiment of a filter module 122 illustrated in FIG. 23, theoblique face 406 of the immobilising device 402 is engageable with anoblique face 406 in a recess 410 in the floor 154. On the basis of arecess 410 of this kind, it is possible in particular to avoid aprojection 408 from the floor 154, which may be disruptive. From afunctional point of view, however, the recess 410 substantiallycorresponds to the projection 408.

According to the alternative embodiment of a filter module 122 that isillustrated in FIG. 24, it may be provided for a filter module 122 toinclude a pre-separating device 412.

A pre-separating device 412 of this kind may in particular take the formof a labyrinth filter 414 or inertial filter 416.

In a pre-separating device 412 of this kind, preferably a single ormultiple flow reversal or flow deflection takes place, such that inparticular heavy contaminants cannot follow a stream of gas guidedthrough the pre-separating device 412 but adhere to separating elements418 of the pre-separating device 412 and are thus separated out of thestream of untreated gas.

In this arrangement, the separating elements 418 may have asubstantially I-shaped or double T-shaped cross section.

Preferably, a plurality of separating elements 418 are arranged offsetfrom one another and/or nested in one another, in particular in order toperform the single or multiple flow deflection.

The pre-separating device 412 is preferably arrangeable selectivelyand/or if necessary on a filter module 122.

For example, the pre-separating device 412 as a whole may be arrangedupstream of a main filter device 188 of a filter module 122.

In this arrangement, the pre-separating device 412 preferably extendsover the entire inlet surface of the main filter device 188.

Preferably, the pre-separating device 412 is arranged above, inparticular directly over, a trough 198 of the filter module 122 thatserves as a catching element 196. In this way, liquid dripping down fromthe pre-separating device 412 can simply be caught and collected.

In the embodiment of a filter module 122 and an associated filter modulereceptacle 120 that is illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 28, an actuatingdevice 420 by means of which the valve device 128 is actuable isprovided.

As is clear in particular from a comparison between FIGS. 26 and 28, theactuating device 420 is in particular mechanically actuable by pressingthe filter module 122 against the valve device 128.

In this arrangement, the actuating device 420 in particular includes anactuating lever 422 which is engageable with a limit stop 424 of theactuating device 420 (see FIGS. 26 and 28).

The actuating lever 422 is in particular coupled to one or more flapelements 426 of the valve device 128 such that, by moving the actuatinglever 422, the flap elements 426 are movable from an open position intoa closed position or from a closed position into an open position.

The actuating lever 422 may for example be urged by a spring, such thatthe flap elements 426 are automatically moved into the closed position,illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, without the action of force on theactuating lever 422 by means of the limit stop 424.

In particular, the limit stop 424 of the actuating device 420 is alateral projection of the filter module 122.

The actuating device 420 is in particular an actuating device 420 bymeans of which the valve device 128 is opened automatically when thefilter module 122 is arranged in a predetermined position on a filtermodule receptacle 120. When the filter module 122 is removed from thefilter module receptacle 120, the valve device 128 is preferably closedautomatically.

Preferred embodiments are as follows:

1. A filter system (112) for separating off contaminants from a streamof untreated gas that contains contaminants, including

a base construction (116) through which the stream of untreated gas isguidable and which includes at least one filter module receptacle (120)for receiving at least one filter module (122), andat least one filter module (122) which is selectively arrangeable onand/or in the at least one filter module receptacle (120) and/orremovable therefrom, wherein the at least one filter module (122)includes a plurality of filter element receptacles (184) for receiving aplurality of mutually independent filter elements (182).

2. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 1, characterised inthat a plurality of filter elements (182) are a constituent part of afilter device (118) of the filter module (122) and the stream ofuntreated gas that is to be cleaned is flowable through these inmutually parallel manner during a filter operation of the filter system(112).

3. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 or 2,characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) includes aplurality of filter devices (118) and the stream of untreated gas thatis to be cleaned is flowable through these one after the other during afilter operation of the filter system (112).

4. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 3,characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) includes apre-filter device (186), a main filter device (188) and/or a post-filterdevice (190), and at least a partial stream of the stream of untreatedgas is flowable through these one after the other during a filteroperation of the filter system (112).

5. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 4,characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) takes theform of a rollable and/or displaceable transport carriage (180).

6. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 5,characterised in that the at least one filter module (122) and/or the atleast one filter module receptacle (120) includes a guide device (168)for guiding, moving and/or immobilising the at least one filter module(122) in relation to the at least one filter module receptacle (120).

7. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 6,characterised in that the base construction (116) includes at least oneclosable access opening (146) through which an interior space (126) ofthe at least one filter module receptacle (120) is accessible forintroducing and/or removing the at least one filter module (122) fromoutside the filter system (112).

8. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 7,characterised in that the at least one filter module receptacle (120)includes at least one valve device (128) for selectively opening orclosing an inlet opening (134) of the filter module receptacle (120),through which at least part of the stream of untreated gas is feedableto the filter module receptacle (120), and/or an outlet opening (144) ofthe filter module receptacle (120), through which a stream of gas isguidable away from the filter module receptacle (120).

9. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 8,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes a plurality offilter module receptacles (120) arranged opposite one another inrelation to a vertical longitudinal centre plane (124) of the filtersystem (112), and/or a plurality of filter module receptacles (120)arranged successively in a longitudinal direction (110) of the filtersystem (112).

10. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 9,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes a plurality offilter module receptacles (120) that form flow channels (130) of thefilter system (112) which are configured for mutually independentthrough flow, wherein individual or a plurality of flow channels (130)are blockable or clearable by means of valve devices (128) of the filtersystem (112).

11. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 10,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes at least oneuntreated gas shaft (142) that extends between at least two filtermodule receptacles (120) and through which the stream of untreated gasis guidable and is feedable to inlet openings (134) in the filter modulereceptacles (120).

12. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 11,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes at least oneclean gas channel (160) that extends between at least two filter modulereceptacles (120) and through which a stream of clean gas, which isobtainable as a result of separating off contaminants from the stream ofuntreated gas, is guidable away.

13. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 12,characterised in that at least one filter module receptacle (120) isarranged on an outer wall (150) of the base construction (116) and/or isintegrated in the outer wall (150) of the base construction (116), andin that at least one filter module (122) is arrangeable on the at leastone filter module receptacle (120), by bringing the at least one filtermodule (122) into abutment against the outer wall (150).

14. A filter system (112) for separating off contaminants from a streamof untreated gas that contains contaminants, in particular according toone of embodiments 1 to 13, including at least one filter elementreceptacle (184) for receiving at least one filter element (182) and atleast one change-over device (208) for automatically exchanging a morepronouncedly contaminated filter element (182) that is arranged in theat least one filter element receptacle (184) for a filter element (182)that is less pronouncedly contaminated.

15. A filter system (112) for separating off contaminants from a streamof untreated gas that contains contaminants, in particular according toone of embodiments 1 to 14, including:

-   -   a base construction (116) through which the stream of untreated        gas is guidable; and    -   a fire protection device (300) by means of which a fire in the        filter system (112) is preventable, containable and/or        extinguishable, wherein the fire protection device (300)        includes one or more fire protection elements (302) for        affecting propagation of the flames.

16. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 15, characterised inthat the fire protection device (300) includes one or more fireprotection elements (302) that are actuable in the event of a fire.

17. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 or 16,characterised in that one or more fire protection elements (302) includea fire-retardant material or are formed from a fire-retardant material.

18. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 17,characterised in that one or more fire protection elements (302) includea material or are formed from a material which, under the effect of heatand/or in contact with a reagent, is disintegrable, liquefiable and/orcombustible.

19. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 18, characterised inthat the one or more fire protection elements (302) are arranged, in aninitial position, on one or more receptacles (314) for one or more fireprotection elements (302), and in that, by comparison with a material ofthe one or more receptacles (314), the material of the one or more fireprotection elements (302) has a lower melting point, a lower fireresistance and/or a lower chemical stability and/or physical resistance.

20. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 19,characterised in that one or more extinguishing openings (304) in thefilter system (112) are clearable in the event of a fire by means of oneor more fire protection elements (302).

21. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 20, characterised inthat the one or more extinguishing openings (304) of the filter system(112) are cutouts or apertures in one or more walls (308, 322, 324) ofthe filter system (112) that are closed in normal operation of thefilter system (112) by means of one or more fire protection elements(302).

22. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 21,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or morefilter elements (182) and/or one or more filter modules (122) whereofthe interior space (248) is accessible from outside in the event of afire, by removing one or more fire protection elements (302).

23. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 22,characterised in that the fire protection device (300) includes anapplication device (306) by means of which an extinguishing materialand/or a reagent is dischargeable.

24. A filter system (112) according to embodiment 23, characterised inthat an extinguishing material and/or a reagent are dischargeable bymeans of the application device (306) onto one or more fire protectionelements (302).

25. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 23 or 24,characterised in that, in the event of a fire, extinguishing materialand/or reagent are dischargeable by means of the application device(306) through one or more extinguishing openings (304) in the filtersystem (112) and into an interior space (142, 248) of the filter system(112).

26. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 23 to 25,characterised in that the application device (306) is arranged outsidean interior space (142, 248) of the filter system (112), in particularoutside an untreated gas space (312) of the filter system (112) and/oroutside a clean gas space of the filter system (112).

27. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 15 to 26,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or morefilter modules (122) that take the form of rollable or displaceabletransport carriages (180), wherein a wall (308, 322, 324) of the one ormore transport carriages (180) includes one or more extinguishingopenings (304) which, in normal operation of the filter system (112),are closed by means of one or more fire protection elements (302).

28. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 27,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or morefilter modules (122) and a collecting channel (162), to which a streamof clean gas obtainable by cleaning the stream of untreated gas isfeedable from the one or more filter modules (122), wherein thecollecting channel (162) is arranged above the one or more filtermodules (122), in particular directly over the one or more filtermodules (122).

29. A filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to 28,characterised in that the filter system (112) includes one or morefilter modules (122) that include a pre-separating device (412), whereinif necessary the pre-separating device (412) is arrangeable on thefilter module (122), and/or wherein the pre-separating device (412)includes an inertial filter (416) or labyrinth filter (414).

30. A painting system (100) for painting workpieces (102), in particularvehicle bodies (104), including at least one filter system (112)according to one of embodiments 1 to 29.

31. A method for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreatedgas that contains contaminants by means of a filter system (112),including:

-   -   feeding the stream of untreated gas to a plurality of filter        elements (182) that are arranged in filter element receptacles        (184) of a filter module (122), wherein the filter module (122)        is arranged on and/or in a filter module receptacle (120) of the        filter system (112);    -   separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas at        the filter elements (182);    -   removing the filter module (122) from and/or out of the filter        module receptacle (120);    -   exchanging one or more of the more pronouncedly contaminated        filter elements (182) arranged in the filter element receptacles        (184) for one or more less pronouncedly contaminated filter        elements (182);    -   arranging the filter module (122) on and/or in the filter module        receptacle (120).

32. A method for separating off contaminants from a stream of untreatedgas that contains contaminants, in particular according to embodiment31, including:

-   -   feeding the stream of untreated gas to at least one filter        element (182);    -   separating off contaminants from the stream of untreated gas at        the at least one filter element (182), as a result of which the        at least one filter element (182) is contaminated;    -   exchanging the at least one contaminated filter element (182)        for a fresh filter element (182) by means of an automatic        change-over device (208).

33. A method for operating a filter system (112) for separating offcontaminants from a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants,in particular a filter system (112) according to one of embodiments 1 to29, including:

-   -   activation of a fire protection device (300) for preventing,        containing and/or extinguishing a fire in the filter system        (112), wherein the propagation of flames is affected by means of        one or more fire protection elements (302) of the fire        protection device (300).

34. A method according to embodiment 33, characterised in that one ormore extinguishing openings (304) in the filter system (112) are clearedin the event of a fire by means of one or more fire protection elements(302).

1-34. (canceled)
 35. A filter system for separating off contaminantsfrom a stream of untreated gas that contains contaminants, including abase construction through which the stream of untreated gas is guidableand which includes at least one filter module receptacle for receivingat least one filter module, and at least one filter module which takesthe form of a rollable and/or displaceable transport carriage and isselectively arrangeable on and/or in the at least one filter modulereceptacle and/or removable therefrom, wherein the at least one filtermodule includes a plurality of filter element receptacles for receivinga plurality of mutually independent filter elements, wherein the baseconstruction comprises an untreated gas shaft to guide untreated gas tothe at least one filter module, wherein the at least one filter moduleand a collecting channel for collecting clean gas are connected by atleast one clean gas channel, wherein the at least one filter module andthe collecting channel are positioned on opposite sides of the untreatedgas shaft.
 36. A filter system according to claim 35, wherein thecollecting channel is arranged substantially at the same level, inrelation to a vertical direction, as the at least one filter module. 37.A filter system according to claim 35, wherein the at least one cleangas channel passes through the untreated gas shaft.
 38. A filter systemaccording to claim 35, wherein the at least one clean gas channel hasuntreated gas flowing around it during operation of the filter system.39. A filter system according to claim 35, wherein a plurality of filterelements are a constituent part of a filter device of the filter moduleand the stream of untreated gas that is to be cleaned is flowablethrough these in mutually parallel manner during a filter operation ofthe filter system.
 40. A filter system according to claim 35, whereinthe at least one filter module includes a plurality of filter devicesand the stream of untreated gas that is to be cleaned is flowablethrough these one after the other during a filter operation of thefilter system.
 41. A filter system according to claim 35, wherein the atleast one filter module includes a pre-filter device, a main filterdevice and/or a post-filter device, and at least a partial stream of thestream of untreated gas is flowable through these one after the otherduring a filter operation of the filter system.
 42. A filter systemaccording to claim 35, wherein the at least one filter module and/or theat least one filter module receptacle includes a guide device forguiding, moving and/or immobilising the at least one filter module inrelation to the at least one filter module receptacle.
 43. A filtersystem according to claim 35, wherein the base construction includes atleast one closable access opening through which an interior space of theat least one filter module receptacle is accessible for introducingand/or removing the at least one filter module from outside the filtersystem.
 44. A filter system according to claim 35, wherein the filtersystem includes a plurality of filter module receptacles arrangedsuccessively in a longitudinal direction of the filter system.
 45. Afilter system according to claim 35, wherein the filter system includesa plurality of filter module receptacles that form flow channels of thefilter system which are configured for mutually independent throughflow, wherein individual or a plurality of flow channels are blockableor clearable by means of valve devices of the filter system.
 46. Afilter system according to claim 35, wherein at least one filter modulereceptacle is arranged on an outer wall of the base construction and/oris integrated in the outer wall of the base construction, and in that atleast one filter module is arrangeable on the at least one filter modulereceptacle, by bringing the at least one filter module into abutmentagainst the outer wall.
 47. A filter system according to claim 35,wherein the filter system includes at least one change-over device forautomatically exchanging a more pronouncedly contaminated filter elementthat is arranged in the at least one filter element receptacle of the atleast one filter module for a filter element that is less pronouncedlycontaminated.
 48. A filter system according to claim 35, wherein thefilter system includes one or more filter modules that include apre-separating device, wherein if necessary the pre-separating device isarrangeable on the filter module, and/or wherein the pre-separatingdevice includes an inertial filter or labyrinth filter.
 49. A paintingsystem for painting workpieces, in particular vehicle bodies, includingat least one filter system according to claim
 35. 50. A method forseparating off contaminants from a stream of untreated gas that containscontaminants by means of a filter system, including: feeding the streamof untreated gas through a untreated gas shaft to a plurality of filterelements that are arranged in filter element receptacles of a filtermodule, wherein the filter module takes the form of a rollable and/ordisplaceable transport carriage and is arranged on and/or in a filtermodule receptacle of the filter system; separating off contaminants fromthe stream of untreated gas at the filter elements in order to obtainclean gas and guiding the clean gas through at least one clean gaschannel to a collecting channel, wherein the at least one filter moduleand the collecting channel are positioned on opposite sides of theuntreated gas shaft; removing the filter module from and/or out of thefilter module receptacle; exchanging one or more of the morepronouncedly contaminated filter elements arranged in the filter elementreceptacles for one or more less pronouncedly contaminated filterelements; arranging the filter module on and/or in the filter modulereceptacle.